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Alzheimer's disease -- a well-known cause of memory impairment in aging -- is surely the most common and feared problem consulted about in geriatric medicine today. Although it was only recognized as a specific illness in the last 100 years, Alzheimer's obviously is not really new, since throughout history people have become old, feeble and confused; however, they were just...

With Philadelphia experiencing some unseasonably warm weather earlier this month, some people may have forgotten all about their getting a flu shot back in the early days of winter. Others may still be fuming about getting a flu shot but still getting the flu. This year's vaccination is only effective against 40 percent of this season's influenza viruses, according to...

Penn study shows the drag effect of nicotine on the brain January 17, 2008

A new brain-imaging study by researchers in the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania shows that cigarette cravings in smokers who are deprived of nicotine are linked with increased activation in specific regions of the brain. Using a novel method of measuring brain blood flow developed by John Detre, M.D., associate professor of neurology at Penn, this study...

In December 2005, Alex [not his real name], a Montgomery County resident, said he considered taking his own life. The successful, middle-aged professional had been feeling anxious, fearful, agitated and confused. He was alternately sweating, then shivering uncontrollably. His symptoms continued to worsen; for about a week, he was unable to work and -- of greater concern -- to sleep...

With the end of 2007 and the beginning of a new year, KidsHealth.org, created by the nonprofit Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media, has published its third annual "10 Kids' Health Issues to Watch." The issues chosen represent a wide range of concerns -- some may hit close to home, while others may be more far-reaching. Of course, these...